MORE than 840 runners gathered at Speech House on Sunday (September 27) for the Forest of Dean Autumn Half Marathon.

The race, organized annually by the Rotary Club of the Royal Forest of Dean, is run under UK Athletics' rules and attracts both serious competition athletes as well as recreational runners.

The race also included an England v Wales Masters competition with 177 runners.

Starting at 10:00 sharp, the entire course of the 13.11-mile course was entirely on forest trails, finishing on Speech House field.

The day was cool and cloud with a little light rain at times, but running conditions remained good.

The winner and the first woman home were both from North Wales.

Daniel Kashi of Meirionnydd RC finished in a creditable 1:13:04 while Gemma Moore of Eryri Harriers was the first woman across the line in 1:26:31.

The first Forest of Dean male to cross the line was Marcus Benneto of Forest of Dean Athletic Club in a time of 1:18:47, and 12 overall. First Forest of Dean female was Kelly Winstone in 1:40:10.

Michael Jelf of Forest Pulse finished in 1:53:41.

In addition to winners' trophies, the Rotary Club of the Royal Forest of Dean, who organized the event, awarded medals to all finishers.

A spokesman for the Rotary Club of the Royal Forest of Dean said: “The funds raised by this race go to support many local charities, while many runners are running for their own charities.

“The club would like to congratulate all those who ran, helped towards the event and those who made the day a success.

The Spring Trails half marathon takes place on Sunday, March 21 and details are available at

www.forestofdean-halfmarathon.co.uk/spring_trails/

Marcus Bennetto was the first Forest runner home.
Marcus Bennetto was the first Forest runner home. (Forest of Dean Rotary)
Daniel Kashi was the overall winner.
Daniel Kashi was the overall winner. (Forest of Dean Rotary)
Gemma Moore was the first woman to finish.
Gemma Moore was the first woman to finish. (Forest of Dean Rotary)